All About Chemistry Demonstrates Semisonic’s Longevity
Written: Nov 18 '02
Product Rating:
Pros: Great lyrics, interesting melodies, appealing on many levels
Cons: Sometimes songs sound too similar
The Bottom Line: If you've enjoyed any of Semisonic's past work or artists like Ben Folds, Better Than Ezra, or Matthew Sweet then this is a great album...
lambchops's Full Review: All About Chemistry by Semisonic
Rising from the ashes of Trip Shakespeare, Semisonic formed in 1995. Dan Wilson, John Munson, and drummer Jacob Slichter soon were signed to a record deal and within just a few months released their debut Pleasure.
While the album garnered little notice in mainstream press, it did get the trio a deal with major label MCA. Great Divide, released in April 1996, was an impressive musical outing. Semisonic proved appealing on many levels to fans of pop, alternative rock, and indie pop. What most stood out about Semisonic was however their ability to meld beautifully catchy melodies with lighthearted yet old-fashioned rock and roll.
It was this approach to music making that earned the Minneapolis-based band their first true hit, Closing Time. The perfect song to end any evening out, Closing Time attracted tons of new fans. And, upon picking up Feeling Strangely Fine other perfect songs like Singing in My Sleep, Never You Mind, and Secret Smile stood out even more so than that aforementioned hit.
After surviving the almost always inevitable sophomore slump and commercial success, Semisonic returned in 2001 with All About Chemistry. No less fascinating the earlier releases, this album once again boasts nicely arranged songs with intelligent lyrics. Vocalist, usual lyricist and guitarist Wilson once again whips up a collection of twelve lovely songs well worth the time, money and effort it takes to own and appreciate any Semisonic album. And, with the help of equally talented bassist Munson and drummer Slichter (both of whom also occasionally write) Semisonic once again makes a grand—albeit not perfect—impression.
The upbeat tempo and vibe of Chemistry kick this album off on a great note. At the core of Semisonic rests a rock band, but encircling the traditional electric guitars and insistent drums are Wilson’s quirky pop vocals and wholly entertaining melodies. This song, this album, and this band all are easily appreciated on the whole. Just close your eyes, open your ears and embrace the music…but be warned, if you don’t appreciate acts like Ben Folds, Better Than Ezra, or Matthew Sweet you’re unfortunately unlikely to like Semisonic.
A few tracks here are reminiscent of 80’s pop. Something about the slightly synthesized melodies mixed with guitars and Wilson’s voice screams 1985. Then again, regardless of when music like Bed and Act Naturally is released it should be easily appreciated. There’s nothing wrong with these two songs aside from the fact that I’m so notably reminded of that long-past decade.
Better than average for Semisonic is the painfully beautiful She’s Got My Number. A piano, drums, and lightly strummed guitars highlight this incredibly likable song. As compared to most songs from the band, it’s actually somewhat more depressed. Follow also falls into this same category. Regardless of usual musical taste and age, it’s difficult to image not finding these offerings appealing. And then there’s the fact that the lyrics are impressive:
Take me wherever you go
Help me forget tomorrow
Love me your best and I know
All of the rest will follow
Love me as well as you know
And everything else will follow
While Sunshine and Chocolate is a nice musical change with heavier guitars and a thicker arrangement, it’s on songs like the sticky sweet yet totally captivating One True Love that Semisonic seems to be most comfortable. This tendency for the best songs to sound so similar is probably the most troublesome problem with Semisonic. The trio is without question talented…but they should on occasion to vary their style.
A few less wonderful songs appear on this album like Who’s Stopping You? and Get A Grip but in the musical scheme of things it could be worse…a lot worse. Semisonic has somehow managed to stay true to their original intentions. Few changes, aside from those common when artists mature, have been made from the release of Great Divide through All About Chemistry. This consistency definitely works in the favor of Semisonic.
If you’re already a fan of the trio, it’s highly suggested you pick up All About The Chemistry. On par with Great Divide but slightly less perfect than Feeling Strangely Fine, this album should be an asset to any pop/rock/indie pop/alternative/adult contemporary collection out there.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Chemistry
02. Bed
03. Act Naturally
04. She’s Got My Number
05. Follow
06. Sunshine and Chocolate
07. Who’s Stopping You?
08. I Wish
09. One True Love
10. Get A Grip
11. Surprise
12. El Matador
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